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Short Term Care

Rescue and Short Term Care for Brushtail Possums
It  is important to remember that an injured, sick or orphaned possum, as with any  wild animal, will be stressed when caught.  Stress can kill a possum so it  is very important that it is kept in a dark, quiet place, away from children and  family pets.  

If  it is a large possum, wrap it loosely in a towel and place it in a box.  Be careful of its claws and teeth as they can do serious damage if the animal  gets stressed and attacks to protect itself.

If  it is a furred joey (200-350 grams) place it in warm woolen wrappings, eg: socks  or something similar, that has been lined with a cotton slip. Make sure that it  is a snug fit for the possum (but not too tight).  Place it into a larger  pouch, and seal the top with a rubber band or tie, possums are great escape artists!  But make sure that you don't sufficate the animal.

If  you find a furless or just furred joey (50-120 grams) place it in a sock  then into warm wrappings.  

It is crucial that the possum be kept warm.   Use a heat source if you have one.  A hot water bottle can be used in an  emergency, but make sure that the water is changed regularly (do not use boiling  water). A water bottle will need to be wrapped in a towel.  A heat pad is  a better option.  Warm the joey slowly (over a period of 2 hours), the temperature inside the  makeshift pouch should be around 32o  - 33o Celsius - no higher.  Do not over heat the possum as this  is as detrimental as under heating it.  A possum of this size needs to get  to an experienced carer urgently as they need specialised care.

Do  not feed any wild animal for at least a few hours after rescue - they need to  have their stress levels reduced and  too much human contact can send them  into shock.  Additionally, it is very important that you do not feed a cold  animal as any food will not be digested properly and the possum may die. If the  rescued possum is cold you will need to warm it very slowly (over a period of 2 hours) - if you warm the  possum too quickly it may die from heat-stress related complications. An animal  that is badly injured or sick will not want to eat.  If this is the case,  just leave the possum in the box until an experienced carer can collect it, or  take it to a veterinarian.

Food  for an adult possum can include fruit, such as apple or pear, vegetables such  as carrot, and gum & wattle leaves and their flowers.  Never attempt  to feed an adult possum by hand, as this could stress it more, leave the food  in the box, it will eat when ready.  

A  joey can be fed Farex (but as emergency food only - to much Farex will kill them).   Good generic milk replacers are Di-Vetelact and Formula One, which can be purchased  at most veterinary clinics.

Never feed a possum cows milk as they are lactose  intolerant and they will get very sick and may die.  Keep the joey in the  pouch with only its head exposed.  Feed the formula to the joey through  a syringe or dropper held at the edge of its mouth - do not  force  the syringe into its mouth - the possum will lap at the formula.   
Do not force feed a joey, if it seems stressed or disinterested, discontinue  feeding and put it in a quiet, dark place.

Just  remember to use your common sense when caring for a possum.  You are caring  for a wild animal, it is not a pet.

Keep pets, family and friends away from  the animal at all times.
Fourth Crossing Wildlife
e: linda@fourthcrossingwildlife.com
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